Dark academia fans, if you’re on your second or third reread of "The Secret History" and "If We Were Villains" to satiate your desire for a moody fall girl read, look no further than this book.

Reminiscent of both the best and most tragic dark academia novels, Barrington will take you instead to the early nineties at the prestigious St Andrews university, where the tragically-inclined Finn Nethercott has just become a first-year student. With dynamic and vulnerable characters, gripping dialogue, and intellectual intrigue, "When We Were Killers" surpasses even the highest demands for this gothic and melancholic genre.

With one of the best opening lines in a novel I’ve read this year, Barrington cements this novel as a new dark academia must-read in the upcoming season.

Thank you to the publisher for this e-arc, this book will be published March 6, 2025.

Scottish ride where we are met with unique characters and interesting mythology.
I enjoyed this spin on dark academia with Celtic and Viking elements which makes a stand out in the genre that kept me gripped until the end as we delved more into the insanity that comes with such mythology.
Interesting premise, however, I would have liked to have more hints about what the whole story was about instead of the ending feeling quite rushed. Another element I wish we had more of is the multi layers of the side characters that I thought were swept up within the wider narrative. However, I was gripped throughout and enjoyed this as my first arc.

Overall this dark and moody thriller was really good! It was a bit slow in parts but I loved the dark academia setting and overall plot! Would recommend

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

When We Were Killers: A gripping, shocking dark academia thriller about toxic friendship set in Scotland by C.F. Barrington is a masterful blend of suspense, psychological intrigue, and the haunting beauty of Scotland’s academic landscape. Barrington crafts a narrative that is chilling and thought-provoking, delving deep into the complexities of friendship, ambition, and the dark side of human nature.

The story centers around Finn Nethercott, a misfit first-year student at the prestigious St Andrews University. From the moment Finn steps onto the salt-scented quadrangles, he is met with indifference and a sense of foreboding. The university, with its ancient buildings and storied traditions, becomes a character in its own right, its gothic architecture and shadowy corners providing the perfect backdrop for the unfolding drama.

Barrington’s characters are richly developed, each one harboring secrets and hidden agendas. The core group of friends, bound by their shared outsider status, quickly find themselves entangled in a web of deceit and danger. The dynamics of their relationships are explored with a keen psychological insight, revealing how toxic friendships can fester and lead to devastating consequences.

Barrington expertly balances moments of quiet tension with explosive revelations, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. The plot twists are both unexpected and meticulously foreshadowed, creating a sense of inevitability that heightens the suspense. The narrative is interspersed with flashbacks that gradually unveil the dark history of the characters, adding depth and complexity to the story.

The setting of St Andrews University is vividly brought to life, with Barrington’s descriptive prose capturing the eerie beauty of the Scottish landscape. The misty mornings, crumbling ruins, and stormy seas all contribute to the novel’s atmospheric tension. This sense of place is integral to the story, grounding the characters’ actions in a tangible reality that makes their descent into darkness all the more believable.

When We Were Killers tackles themes of privilege and power, examining how societal structures can enable and conceal wrongdoing. Barrington’s critique of the academic elite is sharp and incisive, adding a layer of social commentary to the thriller’s gripping plot. The novel raises important questions about morality, justice, and the lengths to which people will go to protect their secrets.

When We Were Killers is a standout entry in the dark academia genre. C.F. Barrington has crafted a novel that is as intellectually stimulating as it is thrilling, with a story that lingers long after the final page. Fans of psychological thrillers and dark academia will find much to admire in this gripping tale of toxic friendship and hidden dangers. Whether you’re drawn to the atmospheric setting, the complex characters, or the intricate plot, this book is sure to captivate and haunt you.

I loved this book..

I enjoyed the build up and the seemingly solidarity among the boys and the fallout.

Books such as these always highlight the strengths and failures in relationships and what happened to Finn is a right of passage in this genre. His four new 'friends' were unlikeable but played their part well

I loved the setting, it is dark and atmospheric and the plot although a little slow to build up was intriguing. I found it a wonderful read and have already recommended it ..

Unfortunately this book wasn’t for me, but I liked the idea of the plot. The way it was written was quite slow to start, and with ADHD I need a good pull into a book. Also, this is meant for someone much smarter than me as it used many words that are not in my vocabulary and I had to use the dictionary option in my kindle about 3 times a page - not a bad thing but it deterred me a bit.
I liked the start with the characters and plot idea but it wasn’t for me at this time, maybe I’ll try again later on.

2.75 rounded up.

This felt like a weird trip or something. I don't even know how to explain it because I don't even know what's going on. Maybe because there are magic mushrooms in this book so it's supposed to be like that? Maybe...I don't know, I'm grasping at straws here.

I was so confused the entire time reading this. I felt like I was thrown right into the middle of the story but usually when that happens, you get answers along the way to explain who the characters are and what's happening/has happened in the story. But no. None of that happens. Even after finishing the book, I did not know the point, what happened, who anybody was or why anything was happening.

Weirdly reminds me of a comic run I really like though, Home Sick Pilots. Same sort of tone and color palette in my mind.

I can see why people recommend it for fans of M. L. Rio.

Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review! My Goodreads review is up my TikTok (Zoe_Lipman) review will be up at the end of the month with my monthly reading wrap-up.

A group of pretentious students playing dress-up until reality hit them hard. I don't understand why the main character was drawn to them; they seemed like children playing dress up.

The group isn't particularly kind to him, and from their interactions, I don't sense a strong enough connection for him to be so attached to them or eager to help. Madri was the one who brought him into the group, but his relationship with her after that us virtually non-existent. His relationship with them felt superficial.

Madri barely speaks to him, Hope keeps him at arm's length, Laurie (or whatever his name is) doesn't interact with him, and Magnus is obsessed with drugs, using Finn as a test subject. I don't understand why Finn agreed to this. Magnus's interest in the berserker drug isn't clearly explained. It didn't seem like they believed in their cause, like they said they did. They just wanted to dress up, drink and play Viking. It also seemed like they were just doing it to piss up their parents.

They're supposed to replace the family he lost, but why does Finn share his suicide attempt with them when he barely knows anything about them? He doesn't even know where they live. They only call him when they need him and want him to participate In their dress — up drinking party. Yet, they're supposed to be a “clan” or family?

And I never really understood why they were all scared of Justus. I know he's a 49er, but the author failed to communicate why they deferred to him, why he held such special power. And the ending wasn't what I expected. It was a bit disappointing.

I liked the book, but it requires a more clear structure and depth. It feels like there are two different stories loosely connected, that the author is trying to make in to one. Pulling out names and history isn't enough, there needs to be chemistry with the characters. I felt no spark while reading this book. I'm not sure what story the author is trying to tell, but once they get it together, I am sure it will be an interesting story.

St Andrew’s University, Scotland in the 90’s is the atmospheric setting for this page turner.

Four students entice a fifth into their inner sanctum. Although it appears that the new recruit, Finn, has little in common with the others, their shared fascination of the history of Scotland brings them together, though it is the search for the elusive beserkers drug that binds them.

Mysterious and suspenseful, with a touch of magic and the supernatural, this is the dark side of academia.

Perfectly written, with excellent descriptive prose, this book was a joy. One or two words I had to Google, but hey, every day is a school day 😉

A good, tied up ending that rounded off a belter of a story.

4.5*

Thank you NetGalley and Head of Zeus.

I enjoyed this book, an excellent dark academia novel set in the 90's England. It had great characters, and the suspense had fantastic pacing that kept me reading way past the time I should have gone to bed. I'm definitely going to read more books from this author!

I really liked this, especially the ending. There was a lot of interesting information on history and theology and even herbs which might have seemed incongruous, but somehow wasn’t. Despite the main cast of characters having little to make them in any way admirable, the author makes them work together as a fascinating group driving a twisty plot. It took me back to uni days and all the w*nkers who think they are special, and then took it further to a very dark place.

This was a good book! I love the touch of magic/supernatural elements there. It kept me entertained and seemed entertained and I liked the characters throughout this book, and how some of them have such dark pasts and histories. It was a great thriller with lots of mystery and suspense

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for this complimentary ARC in exchange for an honest review!!